Autism in the News – 05.09.11

New Study Reveals Autism Prevalence in South Korea Estimated to be 2.6% or 1 in 38 Children (New York, N.Y.)In the first comprehensive study of autism prevalence using a total population sample, an international team of investigators from the U.S., South Korea, and Canada estimated the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in South Korea to be 2.64%, or approximately 1 in 38 children, and concluded that autism prevalence estimates worldwide may increase when this approach is used to identify children with ASD. “Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Total Population Sample,” published today online in the AmericanJournal of Psychiatry reports on a study of all children (approximately 55,000) ages 7-12 years in a South Korean community, including those enrolled in special education and the disability registry, as well as all children enrolled in general education schools. Children were systematically assessed using multiple clinical evaluations. Read more.

Bridgeton mom wins proper placement of autistic son (Bridgeton, N.J.)It took two hours to determine, but Thomas Smith is not suited for the general student body at Broad Street School. Read more.

Southern New Jersey families stick together to fight Autism (Press of Atlantic City)Lewie and Charlie Johnson are nine-year-old identical twins. Both are fourth-graders at the Joyanne Miller School in Egg Harbor Township. Charlie is autistic while Lewie has Asperger’s Syndrome, a less severe form of autism. Another son, Ryan, 4, appears fine, but their mom, Bonnie Johnson, still gets nervous when he mimics his older brothers’ behaviors. Read more.

Colleges welcoming students with Asperger’s (philly.com)When Jon Dorfman was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at 9, his parents weren’t thinking about their son’s future. They were just trying to get through the next tantrum. Read more.

Expert to help Ball State better train teachers to educate autistic kids (Indy Star)Among the questions facing parents raising children with autism is this: Could easing the symptoms be as simple as taking away grains and dairy products? Read more.